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Wednesday, 20 June 2012

'Saxon: The Book of Dreams (Saxon 1)' by Tim Severin

Release date: 2nd August 2012

Published by: Macmillan

ISBN No: 978 0230764422

Frankia 780AD: Sigwulf, a minor Saxon prince, is saved from execution after his
family is slaughtered by the ruthless King Offa of Mercia. Thanks to his Devil's
Mark – his eyes of different colours – Sigwulf is exiled to the Frankish court
of King Carolus, the future Charlemagne. There Sigwulf survives on his wits
while at the same time trying to come to terms with disturbingly prophetic
dreams. He gains the friendship of some – Count Hroudland, Carolus's powerful
and ambitious nephew but – mysteriously – several attempts are made on Sigwulf’s
life. When he obtains a Book of Dreams by chance, a rare text giving
understanding to their meaning, he attracts the attention of Carolus himself.
But the Book proves to be a slippery guide in a world of treachery and double
dealing. Carolus sends Sigwulf and his slave Osric into Spain to spy on the
Saracens ahead of a planned Frankish invasion. There, Sigwulf becomes caught
between loyalties; either he honours his debt to new friends among the Saracens,
or he serves his patron Count Hroudland in his quest for glory, gold and even
the Grail itself. One after another Sigwulf's predictions come true, but often
not as expected, and he finds himself swept forward into a final great battle
that reveals who his enemies are . . .